Here’s a look at some of this week’s Disney parks news!
Christmas Comes to Magic Kingdom
Christmas decorations are up at Magic Kingdom. WDWMagic has some great new photos showing Main Street in all its holiday glory.
Jingle Cruise is back!
Jingle Cruise, the annual holiday overlay to Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, is back today. Many of the scenes on the ride get holiday touches, and the traditional script is replaced with holiday themed jokes. Whether you’re a return visitor or its your first time, Jingle Cruise is a must-do at Magic Kingdom during the holiday season. It’s also one of the few holiday touches that’s available during regular park hours, as most of the holiday spirit is confined the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Christmas Parade During the Day…Maybe?
It came to my attention that a few sites are reporting Disney has scheduled Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade for two times during the day on November 12. Typically, this parade is exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party until Christmas week, when it becomes a part of the daytime schedule, so a daytime showing on November 12 would be outside the norm. When I look at the parade page and check November 12, I don’t see anything officially scheduled.
By contrast, that schedule does show the correct times on nights when the Christmas party is held.
I wouldn’t bank on the parade being held that day, but I think the speculated reasoning—that Disney wants to film it for TV specials—is good enough that there’s a chance they run the parade that day. But I also think there’s a good chance they pick another day even if that reasoning is correct.
Other Disney World Updates
Review of Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine
Allyson of Magic-Ally Main Treats has a review of Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine, focused on her more recent experience with Halloween dining there. This is a fun character dining experience that rotates theming throughout the year.
Asha Now Greeting At Epcot
Asha, from the upcoming Disney film Wish, is greeting at Epcot. She’s currently greeting at the gazebo opposite Disney Traders (between Mexico and Canada), but you should check the app for locations and times. Read more about meeting princesses at Disney World and meeting characters at Disney World.
Epcot Opening at 10AM on Sunday, November 5
Epcot will open at 10AM on Sunday, November 5, instead of its more typical 9AM time. This is due to the Wine & Dine Half Marathon. (Hat Tip BlogMickey).
RunDisney 2024-2025 Calendar, Halloween Race Announced
The 2024-2025 runDisney calendar has debuted, and a new Halloween race has been added at Disneyland. We covered the new runDisney calendar and our thoughts on past and upcoming races here.
Epcot Monorail Experiences Flat Tire, Evacuated
The Epcot line of the monorail suffered from a flat tire and had to be evacuated, Fox35 reports. Remember, guests who pay for the privilege of staying at Polynesian, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian also get the treat of taking a monorail to TTC, transferring, and taking another monorail to Epcot. (Hint: Maybe think about Uber or Minnie Van.)
Updates from Other Parks
Tale of the Lion King at Disneyland Ending
Tale of the Lion King, currently performing in the Fantasyland Theater at Disneyland, will have its last performances on January 7, 2024.
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.
Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Don't forget to master your Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lane strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Epcot Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.